Richmond Shakespeare will present “King James,” a comedy by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Obie Award winner Rajiv Joseph, running Jan. 15 through Feb. 1 at Virginia Repertory Theatre’s Theatre Gym.

The play follows Shawn and Matt, two men from different backgrounds whose friendship develops over a shared devotion to basketball. Spanning NBA legend LeBron James’ years in Cleveland, the story explores loyalty, disappointment, ambition and identity, with the characters debating trades, championships and the meaning of greatness along the way. 

A clever, intimate comedy, “King James” explores the role sports play in relationships and how the stories people obsess over reveal who they are and who they hope to become. Artistic Director James Ricks said the play “captures something real about our time: how we bond through fandom, how we often argue our way into friendship, and how the stories we obsess over reveal who we’re becoming. It’s something that I think is particularly prevalent in male relationships, and Rajiv Joseph has done a magnificent job capturing that dynamic.” 

Director Rick St. Peter said Joseph’s play is “a very funny and heartfelt look at friendship and fandom—and the prices we pay for each. It also desperately wants to know the answer to the question, ‘Who is the GOAT of basketball?’ There is only one answer, but you’ll have to come to the show to discover it.” 

Critics have praised the play for its humor and emotional depth. The New York Times called it “a touching examination of male friendship and the powerful social currents beneath it.” TheaterMania said Joseph has created “one of the funniest and most moving plays about friendship in years… Basketball fans will love Joseph’s insider jokes, but even if you don’t follow the game all that much, ‘King James’ is a must-see.” 

“King James” will be staged in the Theatre Gym, an intimate black box space that places audiences “courtside” for the story. Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. For more information, visit richmondshakespeare.org.